Senior Scientist (Fusion Plasmas), SRTT-FEAT

A*STAR RESEARCH ENTITIES; Pasir Panjang; On-site; MYR 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in Malaysia seeks experienced candidates for the Future Energy Acceleration & Translation (FEAT) Programme. The role focuses on fusion energy research, particularly in plasma diagnostics and RF heating. Candidates should hold a PhD in Physics or related fields and have significant experience in magnetic confinement fusion. Responsibilities include publishing research and supporting collaborations. Opportunities for international collaboration are available.

Qualifications

• Experience in magnetic confinement fusion with at least 5 years in the field.
• Deep knowledge of microwave plasma diagnostics, computational techniques, or theoretical plasma physics.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team.

Responsibilities

• Understand the physics of fusion plasmas and diagnostics.
• Publish peer-reviewed papers.
• Support collaborations in fusion research.
• Write grants and direct fusion research in FEAT.

Skills

Microwave plasma diagnostics

Theoretical plasma physics

Computational plasma physics

Programming in Python

Programming in C/C++

Programming in Julia

Education

PhD in Physics or Plasma Physics

Job description

Job description:

We are looking for candidates to join the fusion-energy effort in the newly formed Future Energy Acceleration & Translation (FEAT) Programme, A*STAR. FEAT's plasma physics team focuses primarily on plasma diagnostics, microwave and radiofrequency (RF) heating and current drive (H&CD), and exhaust, with an emphasis on solving the challenges faced by future fusion energy systems. The new hires will be expected to contribute to, and potentially lead, research in magnetic confinement fusion. This includes analytical, computational, and experimental approaches, with the particular emphasis dependent on one’s interests and skill set. While the new hires will begin by working on existing projects, participation in grant calls as a principal investigator will be highly encouraged.

We are looking for suitable candidates in:

• Microwave plasma diagnostics, including experimental, computational, and AI approaches.
• Theory and simulation of microwave and RF H&CD.
• Theory and simulation of plasma-material interactions, including edge turbulence and transport, sheaths, and sheath-edge coupling.

The key scope of work includes:

• Understanding the physics of fusion plasmas, exhaust, plasma diagnostics, and/or RF H&CD.
• Publishing peer-reviewed papers.
• Supporting local and international collaborators in fusion research.
• Writing grants and developing the direction of fusion research in FEAT.
• Supervising students and interns (optional).

Job Requirements:

• PhD in Physics, Plasma Physics, or equivalent, with a background in magnetic confinement fusion, such as in plasma physics and/or engineering with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
• Deep knowledge in at least one of:
  1. Microwave plasma diagnostics (including hardware experience). Candidates with an experimental inclination will have the opportunity to travel to international collaborators’ experiments for extended periods.
  2. Theoretical plasma physics (such as plasma waves, turbulent transport).
  3. Computational plasma physics (such as full-wave, beam tracing, fluid dynamics, gyrokinetics).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as, but not limited to, Python, C/C++, and Julia.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, ability to adapt and work effectively as a member of a team.
• Resourcefulness and self-motivation with a high degree of professional integrity.

The above eligibility criteria are not exhaustive. A*STAR may include additional selection criteria based on its prevailing recruitment policies. These policies may be amended from time to time without notice. We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.